Age-Friendly Oxford (AFO)

Age-Friendly Oxford (AFO) is a community improvement initiative working to create livability in the greater Oxford area, which includes the surrounding townships that make up the Talawanda school district (Hanover, Milford, Oxford, Reily). It is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Age-Friendly Cities Project and AARP’s U.S. Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

The leadership of AFO is composed of three “pillar” organizations that work together to realize AFO’s vision for an inclusive livable community with housing, transportation, social opportunities, and services that support the well-being of citizens of all ages. Oxford Seniors, Inc.

Vision

The VISION of AFO is an inclusive livable community with housing, transportation, social opportunities, and services that support the well-being of citizens of all ages. These resources will enhance personal independence; allow residents to thrive as they age in place; foster residents’ engagement in the community’s civic, economic, and social life, and support individuals and families when a loved one needs additional care.

AFO’s Values

AFO Leadership is committed to a set of VALUES to promote and practice with partners and community members as we plan and implement our work.

  • Respect - for older adults as experienced, vital contributors to the social, economic, civic, life of the community

  • Inclusion - of voices and needs of ALL older adults, in our planning, programs and policies.

  • A shared vision and common agenda for quality of life in the greater Oxford area

  • Collaboration with local, regional and national stakeholders doing related work

  • Use of current data and information to guide the work

  • Promote existing programs and services

  • Pilot best practices from other Age-Friendly communities

  • Seek new technology

    Community Advisory Group

    The work of AFO is guided by a Community Advisory Group with representatives from diverse sectors of the Oxford community and Leadership Team made up of community member and representatives from each of our three pillar organizations.

    Meet The Leadership Team

 
 

Seth Cropenbaker - City of Oxford, Economic Development Specialist 

Why did you get engaged with AFO?

  • There was an opportunity to join AFO and the Leadership Team as a designee from the City of Oxford.  I jumped at the chance to engage with this group. I have a passion for Oxford and celebrating and enforcing the cohesiveness and inclusiveness of our community

  • What benefit(s) do you think that AFO brings to the Oxford Community?

    • I hope everyone has the opportunity to be a senior member of our community

      someday. Having an organization that advocates for the elder members of our community is a vital part of the strength and showcases the values of Oxford. Helping Oxford to be a place that is equitable and sustainable for all is essential to our future.

Jennifer Heston-Mullins – Associate Director of Research & Senior Research Scholar, Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University

Why did you get engaged with AFO?

  • I have worked with older adults personally and professionally since childhood and care very deeply about living in a community where everyone has the opportunity to be included and engaged.

  • What benefit(s) do you think that AFO brings to the Oxford Community?

    • AFO fosters intergenerational awareness and connections
      that I believe are vital to helping our community thrive.

Emily Liechty - Executive Director, Oxford Seniors 

Why did you get engaged with AFO?

  • I first became involved in AFO when I became Director of Oxford Seniors, and I love being part of connecting people across generations!

  • What benefit(s) do you think that AFO brings to the Oxford Community?

    • I think it creates amazing opportunities for connection and conversation with all of the Greater Oxford community.





Lee Fisher - Community Member 

Why did you get engaged with AFO?

  • Age-Friendly Oxford is one of the few groups in Oxford that is working to bridge the generational gap in the community. Being an older person myself, I recognize the importance of this mission, and this is why I chose to become involved with AFO.

  • What benefit(s) do you think that AFO brings to the Oxford Community?

    • AFO, in my opinion, is the only functional group in the area that takes an overarching view of generational similarities and differences and attempts to meld these characteristics under one umbrella. AFO makes every effort to make older members of the community an inclusive part of the fabric of Oxford and surrounding areas.

Janet Rinehart - Community Member 

Why did you get engaged with AFO?

  • Lee Fisher suggested this organization to me and took me to the first meeting. 

  • What benefit(s) do you think that AFO brings to the Oxford Community?

    • AFO can be a leader in the community and show the benefits of these types of organizations to assist communities in providing “ageless“ opportunities.